Career Level Certification is mandated for law enforcement and corrections personnel who are first level supervisors and middle-managers. The mandate is contained in RCW 43.101.350. If you are a first-level supervisor or a mid-level manager, follow the steps below to become career-level certified. If you are not currently a first-level or mid-level manager, you may take the core and elective leadership courses, but you cannot become career level certified. Executive Level Certification is not mandated but is now available for those who qualify.

STEP 1

First Level Supervisor Certification

If you are a first-level supervisor, you are required to be certified as a first-level supervisor within one year of being in the role of a first level supervisor. To become certified you need to do the following things:

Successfully complete 40 hoursof leadership electives within one year from the application date.

Serve in a 1st level supervisory position for at least 12 months.

Middle Manager Certification

If you are a middle level manager, you are required to be certified as a middle level manager within one year of being in the role of a middle level manager. To become certified you need to do the following things:

Successfully complete the 40 hour Middle Management Coursewithin six months of being promoted to a middle management position.

Successfully complete 40 hours of leadership electives within one year from the application date.

Serve in a middle manager position for at least 12 months.

Executive Level Certification

Executive Level certification is a non- mandated Career Level Certification for law enforcement and corrections personnel. An Executive is defined as a chief, deputy chief, sheriff, undersheriff, superintendent, or director. (Equivalent positions with different titles may qualify depending on organizational structure) You must be incumbent in one of these positions to apply. Please follow the steps below to receive career-level certification. If you are not currently an executive in your organization, you may take the leadership courses, but you cannot receive career level certification until you hold an executive level position.

Applicants must successfully complete 80 hours of leadership courses in any combination of the listed options below: